Statement About Insurance From The County Executive
This is the statement that was released by the County Executive, Mrs Janet Vanzant, explaining the situation that exist with the county insurance and the request for public records. This is the complete unabridged statement.
“The Offices of the Giles County Financial Management and the Giles county Executive have fully complied with all requests made by Commissioner Wendell Wilburn for the inspection and copying of insurance documents. All comments to the contrary are false and misleading. County Executive
“Prior toJune 17th, 2009 , Commissioner Wilburn made a verbal request for a copy of insurance invoices. The request was compiled with fully and the invoices from Alsup & Associates were given to Commissioner Wilburn. The invoice that the County pays for insurance, and given to Commissioner Wilburn, reflects the amount that was successfully bid by our local agent. The County does not, nor has it ever, received the invoice from Local Governament Insurance Pool to the local agent, Mr. Alsup.”
“Commissioner Wilburn has been quoted as saying that a County employee told him on several occasions that this informations “was none of his business.” However, Commissioner Wilburn has never provided any details regarding this claim. The office of the County Executive is requesting that Commissioner Wilburn immediately disclose with whom he spoke so the validity of this accusation can be properly investigated and accurately reported.”
“According to the Pulaski Free Press on October 20th, 2009, Commissioner Wilburn claimed that he could save Giles County up to $750,000 in insurance premiums. However, nothing has been provided by Commissioner Wilburn to support this claim. Apparently, Commissioner Wilburn has either retracted that statement, or has denied making it all together. Commissioner Wilburn also claims thatGiles County Tennessee
“Commissioner Wilburn also claims the insurance provided by the County is not being set out for bid. Again, that claim is false and misleading. The Office of Financial Management bids out insurance on a (3) three-year basis as required by law. One such bid is currently being advertised in the local paper at this very time.”
Signed……Janet Vanzant.
“Prior to
“Commissioner Wilburn has been quoted as saying that a County employee told him on several occasions that this informations “was none of his business.” However, Commissioner Wilburn has never provided any details regarding this claim. The office of the County Executive is requesting that Commissioner Wilburn immediately disclose with whom he spoke so the validity of this accusation can be properly investigated and accurately reported.”
“According to the Pulaski Free Press on October 20th, 2009, Commissioner Wilburn claimed that he could save Giles County up to $750,000 in insurance premiums. However, nothing has been provided by Commissioner Wilburn to support this claim. Apparently, Commissioner Wilburn has either retracted that statement, or has denied making it all together. Commissioner Wilburn also claims that
“Commissioner Wilburn also claims the insurance provided by the County is not being set out for bid. Again, that claim is false and misleading. The Office of Financial Management bids out insurance on a (3) three-year basis as required by law. One such bid is currently being advertised in the local paper at this very time.”
Signed……Janet Vanzant.
posted by Allen Barrett | 10:07 PM
194 Comments:
It would be different if Commissioner Wilburn had something to gain by what he has been talking about for two years, but at this time he is a bus driver and a commissioner and can gain absolutely nothing. So does he have a legitimate claim on all he has to say. Sounds like he has done his homework and something is being hidden.
Aside from the embarrassingly unprofessional quality of the statement that took twelve days to deliver, it is simply filled with untruths, denials and shifting of responsibility.In this administration "the buck stops anywhere and everywhere except at the County Executive's desk".
She states they have "fully complied with all request made by Commissioner Wilburn for the inspection and copying of insurance documents".
The one thing that Commissioner Wilburn has been trying to get for eighteen months is a simple invoice that shows how much the insurance company charges for their insurance and how much the county has paid to the agent. It's a very simple thing that anyone can check out, simply call any insurance company in the country and ask them how many of their agents receive payments directly from the insured instead of to the company which then pays the agent. The total number can be counted on two fingers with one of those fingers being kept in reserve.
Giles County pays directly to the agent who then sends a different check to the company. The difference in what the agent is being paid and what that agent is paying the company is where the contention sits. This is the documentation that the county refuses to release.
If a request must be made in writing seven days prior and you must pay $.15 per copy in advance, would someone please explain to me how anyone will know how much the total cost will be before the documents are even produced. If you ask for a copy of the bid specs on a project it could be anywhere from one to twenty pages so how can you pay the fee in advance?
Should Commissioners in the process of carrying out their official business have to submit a written request for information seven days in advance and pay a fee for copies?
While Mrs Vanzant states "the invoice that the county pays for insurance reflects the amount that was successfully bid by the local agent". It is my understanding that the insurance purchased from the state insurance pool is not bid. This subject has been discussed in both the county commission committees and the School Board meetings..... the county does not require a bid when going through the Pool.
This statement, I absolutely need help in trying to understand, "The County does not, nor has it ever received the invoice from Local Government Insurance Pool to the local agent, Mr Alsup".
If this statement is supposed to mean that the county hasn't received an invoice of what the Insurance Pool charges the county then I have to ask, WHY NOT? Should the county not be more aware of what they are actually paying for their insurance?
During the Insurance Committee Meeting held on 8 April Commissioner Wilburn presented statements from each county that touches Giles and at least one that was more removed that showed Giles is paying far more for the same insurance with the same benefits than they are. Perhaps Mrs Vanzant would have heard more of his statements had she been listening instead of putting the burden on Mrs Garner and denying any knowledge of any insurance matters. Immediately after Commissioner Wilburn finished presenting those statements a move to adjourn was made. Few at the table seemed interested in the facts of the matter, their only real interest was in avoiding the issue and getting out of the meeting as soon as possible. Allen Barrett Part One of Two Parts
Part Two Of Two Parts
Mrs Vanzant also states, "Commissioner Wilburn also claims the insurance provided by the County is not being bid out. Again that claim is false and misleading. The Office of Financial Management bids out insurance on a three year basis as required by law. One such bid is currently being advertised in the local paper at this very time."
Not all the insurance is being bid out which is very easily provable. The bid that is in the paper presently is one that gives bidders less than a full week to make a bid to cover several million dollars worth of insurance, can anyone other than the agent who wrote the specifications actually make an intelligent bid within that period of time, NO.
The bottom line remains without an accurate invoice why is anything being paid to anyone? Why are we paying so much more than other counties for the same coverage? Why are we the only county paying directly to the agent instead of to the company, as does everyone else? Why is the person seeking to save the county hundreds of thousands of dollars being vilified? Why is the county executive so interested in keeping information from Commissioners in their official capacity? Why has it taken over eighteen months and still the information requested has not been released? This statement as filled with untruths as it is, leaves more questions unanswered than answered, perhaps the County Executive should have taken a few more weeks before responding? Allen Barrett
Why would any commissioner not want to help save tax dollars for the people who elected them?
Why would Alsup care about releasing any information to a Commissioner or anyone else for that matter unless he is ashamed of what's being done. Same goes for Vanzant. She, of all people, could get that info for Mr. Wilburn, if she wanted to.
Something smells -strongly -and it aint my socks
blah, blah, blah, are they kidding me? with the responses in the paper it not only shows the arrogance about none of our business etc, but according to them..the ONLY problem this county has is Mr. Barrett, Mr. Morris, and Mr. Wilburn.....ARE THEY KIDDING ME? apparently we should all just "step to the back of the bus" and never question them...they know better. GET REAL!
Of course it's not anybodys business the "profit" margin of a company...accept for the fact that it's TAXPAYER money. We do have the right. As far as Mr. Alsup..I can see why he says that...the problem to me it seems as if it was being done improperly in the first place with paying an agent when it's not required....a little backwards....
Where can I sign up to provide a service to the county and set my own price?
May I'll approach the county and tell them that I'll start a dogpound for say.....5 million dollars for a period of 3 years....I'll build a building (or maybe use one of the empty industrial buildings) and operate it myself, purchase a couple of trucks and catch dogs. could probably do that for oh about 2.5 million....nice living left over huh?
God forbid anyone asking why the county is paying so much for a dogpound then?..it's none of our business
It is unfortunate that Mrs. Vanzant feels that it is necessary to be so misleading. The Tennessee Public Records Act, codified at T.C.A. §10-7-503 states…
(a)(1) “All state, county and municipal records shall be during the business hours of their administrative offices, be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee, and those in charge of such records shall not refuse such right of inspection to any citizen, unless otherwise provided by state law.”
(a)(2)(A) “The custodian of a public record or the custodian’s designee shall promptly make available for inspection any public record not specifically exempt from disclosure. In the event it is not practicable for the record to be promptly available for inspection, the custodian shall, within seven (7) business days
(i) Make the information available to the requestor;
(ii) Deny the request in writing…; or
(iii) Furnish the requestor a completed records request response form…stating the time reasonably necessary to produce the record or information.”
The Act requires the records custodian make the disclosure “promptly.” Promptly indicates as soon as reasonably possible (not at-least seven days). If the records are not provided promptly, then within seven (7) business days, the custodian must provide a written denial or a time frame when the records will be available. If the custodian does not respond as required, then suit may be brought.
Furthermore, Section (a)(7)(A) of the Act prohibits the records custodian from requiring a written request or a fee to merely inspect records. That section only allows for a custodian to require a written request and the charge of a fee in the event copies of the records are desired.
Mrs. Vanzant’s should not suggest that she went above and beyond her duty to comply with Mr. Willburn’s verbal request. The simple fact of the matter is that when asked to produce an invoice, it shouldn’t have been difficult at all to comply “promptly.”
Henry
If Mr. Wilburn cared so much for the county, why isn't he running for re-election ? Just wondering.
probably tired of all the hassle....apparently "caring" doesn't matter to some circles
Whewweeeeeeeee! What about that letter in the paper from Mr. Alsup?
What about it 2:09? He certainly sealed in a lot of citizen's minds that he clearly has something to hide. How can you look at it any other way? It is obvious he wrote his letter when his temper was up. He made so many unprofessional statements and mentioned people in his letter that have no relevancy to the insurance issue. Seems Mr. Alsup doesn't like to be questioned. My concern in reading his letter is why was he not able to attend any of the insurance meetings when this issue first arose and try with a level head and bit of professionalism explain so people will understand? His letter did nothing but bring forth more questions and speculation as to why he still feels this information that is public will not be made available to the citizens. Maybe those who do business with Mr. Alsup should question his business practices somewhat. I know if I was his customer, I would certainly be evaluating my personal insurance with him and asking a lot of questions. He has proven to me that he is not a very forthright person but rather a very confrontational one.
Would all of you who have responded to this posting, pro or con, please take the time to read Jimmy Alsup's very informative and well written response to the various allegations that have been leveled at his agency and at county officials over this matter. And, as a final word, Giles County would be better off if this blog site would be totally shut down.
So, why are you on it then 3:08? Jimmy Alsup's letter was poorly written. You must be a cheerleader for Alsup and the county leaders in question. Mr. Alsup would have done him self much good to have never written a letter criticizing citizens who are not even related to the insurance issue. This is Alsup's attempt to lash out at anyone who questions him. His comfort zone is being invaded and the questions arising from all of this shines the spotlight on why Alsup has had this insurance for 30 plus years. That in and of itself is questionable. Alsup will do anything to hang on to such a large money maker by doing and saying anything he can to keep the county's business. Pitiful. His letter is the talk of the town and believe me it is not getting the effect he may have wished for. His letter has raised more questions than answered. The citizens of Giles County are not stupid and those who run to his defense are those directly involved in this situation along with friends and family. I have been into two businesses today and have overheard people talking about this situation and it was not in favor of Alsup and the county executive. So good job you two!
I thought everyone Alsup mentioned was involved. Who are you talking about that he named that was not involved? Seen them at the meetings. Would seem they are heavily involved. Maybe just trying to act like they're not involved now that their name is made public. Not following you but sure you will explain more.
Just because a person attends a meeting does not mean they are involved in any particular issue. I attend occassionally myself but only if I'm interested in something that is on the advertised agenda.
12:17 Cease your 'wondering' - Mr. Wilburn is not running again for county commissioner as he was recently elected to a state chairmanship which will consume a great deal of his volunteer time.
So 3:08 your answer to all the problems is to shout off the information, keep people in the dark and let the money flow without accountability. Just as Vanzant did Alsup has raised more questions than he answered.
Henry gave some very informative information providing the needed TCA codes and explaining the whole process of access to public records. If Vanzant and Alsup had written with such clarity we would all be better off. The problem isn't this blog it's the secrecy and stonewalling being done by those who are suppose to be representing us. Show the paper work and be done with it as that would prove who is telling the truth and who ain't.
4:44 you must have not read his letter or perhaps someone read it to you. Mr. Alsup mentions those who disagree with our leadership, letter writers to the paper and those who have had disagreements with the school board. Now, you want to tell me that those people were there? That's a great many people and most of them I would recognize if I saw them. I was there and maybe one or two were in attendance but very, very few. Why don't you divulge who you think it is that is hiding. I would love to know. I eagerly await your response.
TO:Wednesday, April 21, 2010 2:31:00 PM
Excellent letter from Mr Alsup - ?Normal? response from the trouble makers - always trying to make a sow's ear out of a silk purse. What the heck is your problem? I bet you see Commies under your bed at night - or think you do, in your mind. All of you "gotta be something wrong with everything" folks are getting more than a little obnoxious.
Don't see any commies under my bed but they sure are filling the White House. Here we may not have the commies but we sure have the brain dead 5:58.
Mr. Alsup
Yours was an excellent post. The good thing about it is that the ordinary quiet-spirited and humble will read it and understand better the type of attacking that is going on here by a handful of unahppy people. I hope that letter helps to derail their mean-spirited campaign.
Alsup's response cuts at a lot of people who had no axe to grid in this flap. The response sounded a bit like dumbo in action.
I think anyone with a brain would issue bids requiring detail pricing specifics. How much for each coverage requested - especially when it comes to deductables. A good insurance agent can save a client huge amounts of money by paying attention to coverage conditions and relative costs.
Defending TJ in his process certainly wasn't needed & it sure puts the odor of skunk in the air!
People who try to save the county money are not doing it to be mean - it's the right thing to do if your brain can get past 2+2!
TO: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 6:59:00 PM
Wait, don't tell me - you're a blind Republican and/or a racist. Gee, I never would have guessed. And don't even think about telling me you believe that the Dems are ruining America and Pres. Obama is causing it all. What a joke you are.
I hope and pray that Mr. Alsup
s letter to th editor derails the mean-spirited campaign by the VVM.
Mr. Wilburn does have something to gain. He says that he sells insurance. If he is not a commissioner and could possibly get the bid (if he can), then what do you think his gain will be? He will be in just the right place to sell the county insurance. Some of you need to do some more research before condemning others and things you don't know. Just a thought. Look into what I've mentioned. :)
Mr. Barrett,
Could you print Mr. Alsup's letter as another thread?
wab
Now that's a great idea. Print that letter on here so the blog readers can see what I have been saying all along about agitators and troublemakers. Grand idea! Bravo!
On the topic of money being thrown down a rat hole, I think that someone should ask why Pulaski would shell out around $454,282.00 to contractor(s) on the highway 64 expansion to move gas, water and sewer lines when the City already has competent and qualified staff and equipment in these 3 departments who happen to be already paid for and could have done the relocation for the price OF A DAYS PAY FOR THE DURATION OF THE TASK.
Money that is going to be paid out anyway since they are on the job anyway so why not put these people and equipment to good use?
Why pay almost a half million dollars to do what city employees and city equipment can do for a small fraction of the price or else they would not be doing such tasks in Pulaski when these things need to be done during the course of taking care of a city?
I don't think there was no need to shell out $454,282.00 to get this done.
One guy even joked that he could have went over there alone with a shovel and a Bobcat for half the price and got it done in half the time.
To 9:53 By Alsups own admission Wilburn doesn't even sell the kind of insurance that is being talked about.
His company has competed in any way to gain the insurance of the county. Wilburn has tried to look out for the county as a responsible commissioner unfortunately there are not enough other commissioner with the same degree of responsibility. The frustration of dealing with an idiot chief is just too much for some folks. Thanks Commissioner Wilburn for your efforts.
If we can save $750,000 on insurance, what bumbling blind idiot would not agitate and protest to get it? (whoever is getting the benefit of the $750,000 that is being wasted)
Agitating incompetence & graft seems like a good idea! Make life unbearable & maybe they'll skeddadle & make life miserable for someone else! Of course the few who manage to create waste & corrupt efficient operations need jobs - something to do.
Why not put them in charge of something they can do? A good question for dumbo is, What can incompetence do other than get in the way?
Maybe the issue of the day is as simple as, 1) what do you get when an incompetence is in charge of something that requires competence & 2) what can one expect when a crooked ruler is in charge of a straight line?
908 - wonderful idea - THANKS! MR. WILBURN - we need more people like you in this world.
You are a good person trying to do something good for our community!
The other county departments need to realize that tax payers don't have more money to waste. The school system keeps spending & demanding more & more where there is none to give and the result is bleeding the other departments dry. The Money that goes to the jackson machine is comming out of the only single taxpayer pocket that must provide county roads, police protection, and the other service citizens need and want!
It's time to stop the school system waste & greed! Insurance looks like an easy place to start.
To: Thursday, April 22, 2010 7:22:00 AM - I think the $ tag may be high on the HWY 64 project, but what State job isn't - the equipment & manpower (AND time frame for completion) needed for the 64 task to be completed on time would probably have been a large burden / overload for the City departments. Those guys stay busy on everyday tasks/jobs and emergencies without taking on a major State construction project. If my city water line / gas line / power line breaks, I want it fixed as soon as possible (and they do!I know from experience) and not have to wait until a critically timed existing job is completed on a Hwy 64 project.
Anybody know why Mr. Alsup would involve C. Morris IF he wasn't involved? Isn't Morris running for school board? Has he sold insurance to any county employee? What's the deal with Alsup and Morris anyway?
I'm also wondering why Jimmy Alsup chose to attack people who came here from other states and chose to take an interest in local politics. What has that got to do with his problem about being questioned about the county insurance? Don't think any members of the public have written to the newspaper about insurance. Came across as floundering to me.
Mr. Alsup was simply stating a fact about the agitators.
InRegardTo:Thursday, April 22, 2010 6:38:00 PM - I thought Alsup's statement was correct as written & without your interpretation. I think your interpretation of his statement is also correct, BUT ONLY in your eyes and with the other members of CAVE.
Yep. what has that got to do with insurance?
Sign me Born & raised here
7:51
Excellent post and to the point. But they will not accept it although they claim to be contenders for the truth.
Speaking of facts: Vanzant is the biggest problem this county has!!!
Hopefully this year enought eyes have been opened to get rid of the dead weight within our government.
Get out and vote and tell all your friends and neighbors to vote.
It's past time for a change.
VOTE STEWART.
7:40 Can't do that. My respect, my support, and my vote goes to the one the disgruntled have so wantonly attacked. That is, Mrs. Vanzant. Go Janet!
I believe most people are not going to fall for their game.
You have just proven yourself. Read it daily eya?
Go Janet! Go back to Lincoln Co!
5:04
I suppose time will have proven me right that I am in support of the right candidate. Wait and see. People are not very appreciative of your atack dog posturing.
If you honestly think I am Mrs. Vanzant, then you are what I would call an embecile...if I were like the dosgruntled who just love to call names.
your spelling sucks.
10:24
I make a couple of typos, and you want to jump on me. I think your attitude sucks. What about those apples?
at least i can spell, you are illiterate....oh, and i can understand fact from fiction....how is that for ya?:)
wow, now you have gone and really hurt my feelings. At least i can spell...you are illiterate...oh, and (obviously) unlike you, i can fully understand fact from fiction...how is that for ya?:)
by the way, if you hate the guard dogs so much, why dont you make like a tree and 'leave'?
are you a family friend of vanzant??? worked for her in the past?? what?? cuz its obvious that you dont take the time to investigate all of the problems that she has caused this county. Why do you refuse to do that? you make claims of her being so great for the county, yet cant support them whatsoever....by that, most of us on here can surmise that you are a the idiot that some village is desperately in search of.
10:00
Nope. I'm not a family friend of Mrs. Vanzant and I never worked for her or anyone else in city government. What difference does it make anyhow?
Let me ask you a question. Why are you so full of hatred for Mrs. Vanzant. Did the chief agitator inspire you. Are you a family friend or one of the family? Or, are you one of the disgruntled? Do you suffer from HLSS?
Do you often call people names when they don't see eye-to-eye with you guys? Too bad!
It makes a difference b/c you are so adamantly (and blindly) devoted to her DESPITE all the factual evidence that shows what a horrible job she has done. Only a family member/close personal friend would defend her actions.
I am not full of hatred. However, I dont like folks that feel that they are above the law, or use ignorance as an excuse for incompetance. Ms.Vanzant fits that to a tea, and when confronted with facts, she tries 'misdirection tactics' by pointing to this blog(and specifically some on here) as troublemakers.
Also, if you want to come on here and bash others for their 'attack dog' mentality, at least come up with examples to back up your claims that vanzant has done a good job. You have been asked time and time again, yet cite no examples.
I personally dont care who you vote for..you have the right to vote for a liar and a thief every time that you step into the voting booth if youd like....as ron white so eloquently said, "you cant fix stupid."
After reading Alsup and Vanzant's letters/statements in this weeks paper I'd like to point out some interesting points.
1)Alsup says he has had the county business for 30 years AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. (Does that mean its already pre-arranged and no other agency will get a chance?)
2) Vanzant says county insurance gets renewed every 3 years. (Can it be Wilburn is trying to bring the much needed transparency in under Financial Management? Remember, Financial Management was not fully implemented 3 years ago and the schools dept was the last to be brought in so this is the first opportunity to re-bid the insurance).
3) Interesting that Alsup says word for word what ia written on this blog by the 'agitator' that does nothing but defend Vanzant and criticises anyone who dares to question their government. (Makes you wonder if it is Alsup himself posting or at least a close relative who very well may be employed by the county).
12:24
LOOK, vote for any troublemaker and agitator you want to. I will vote against any of them I can and campaign vigorously against the rest of them.
My vote and support and respect stays with Mrs. Vanzant. It's too bad if you don't like it. If you don't care who I vote for then why don't you take barrett's advice and shut your pie hole?
Your speculation about whether or not Mr. Alsup and Mrs. Vanzant are posting on this blog is comical. Close relative or family friend? What a laugh. I can pretty safely say that neither of them do.
You are undoubtedly a moron. You are the one here to start trouble.....you cant even name one...not one...reason to keep her in office...LOL....i can promise you that whomever i vote for, i will have done my due diligence..cant say the same for you.
BTW, i didnt speculate about anything. Im not the one that said anything about mr. alsup or ms. vanzant posting here. I neither know nor care if they do. That wasnt me....seems you are the one 'speculating', and as usual...you are dead wrong YET AGAIN...LOL
Go back under the rock from which you came.
4:25
Do you even know why you are so angry? You remind me of a kid who gets mad at another of his peers just because a bully told him he had better feel that way. It's called Hook, Line and Sinker Syndrome, and its beginnings are rooted in anger and jealousy toward people who actually CAN legitimately be elected to a public office without feeling a need to trash any who get in their way. And I am dead right about that one!
Mrs. Vanzant has my respect, my vote, and all the support I can give her. Get over it!
why are you voting for vanzant?
7:31:00 PM
That's a good question. I don't know Vanzant or the person running against her so wish someone would give me a good reason of which to vote for.
I've read a few things of why not to vote for her on this blog but no reason to vote for her.
7:44
This is the hate Mrs. Vanzant blog. I would suggest you do a little checking around town about this. Then you will understand what's really going on here. Ok? I hope you will. Take care.
I have to agree with 8:24. It has become the hate Vanzant blog or the hate Tee Jackson blog. Can't seem to do anything on here except hate someone. WOW!
What is going on here? "Take Care" what do you plan to do. All this hate both ways needs to stop.
For those of you who are not from around here (and I suspect most who are on this blog are in that situation), "take care" is like saying be safe, be careful, take care of yourself, God speed, and etc. For goodness sakes, why must you people find fault with everything? And then you wonder why you are called CAVE people?
The reason each topic turns into a "hate Vanzant" campaign is because you have this one person who repeatedly turns the discussion into one of voting for Vanzant, then others respond in kind with their views. This person deliberatly attempts to sabotage. Try to ignore her and decent dialogue will happen.
I've only lived here for 26 years so I guess I am considered "coming from elsewhere" and am told to go back from where I came from. When do you eventually get accepted as a local - couple of hundred years?
7:24
That's because you guys seem to turn every thread into a hate Vanzant topic. I can't let that go unchallenged. Too bad if you don't like it.
Nobody said outsiders couldn't integrate into local society. What I SAID is that most who post all the negatives and hatred on this blog are outsiders and/or transplants who just happen to think they know it all and that they should be in charge. I believe Mr. Alsup made mention of that as well. So don't try to make it look like I'm just that lone voice of opposition out there. I've heard plenty of folks around the county say exactly the same thing.
I am not an outsider. I have lived here most of my life. I consider myself to be very open and objective. I also understand that in politics, there is no way to make everyone happy. That being said, Janet Vanzant has done a terrible job leading this county. She will not make a stand. She can not tell the same "story" twice.
I don't believe that Scott Stewart is the man for the job either, but Janet has had her chance, and she has failed!
8:04 But there you go again - "you guys"! and you don't know doodleysqwat who I am but you assume I'm one who you usually oppose. So, I ask again - how long do we have to be here - 200 years before we are accepted? You still fighting the civil war or somethin?
Why do you think Scott Stewart isn't the one for the job 9:17? I am just curious.
Anyone would be an improvement. Eight years and nothing to show for it except more lawsuits, more employees, no beer distance laws and no Pilot business at exit 14.
3:03
What I SAID is that most who post all this trash about others on this blog ARE OUTSIDERS who came here thinking they are just smarter and should be in charge. I stand by that statement. It's my right, isn't it? Probably not, since I don't see things YOUR WAY.
Uh, I thought the Civil War ended a long time ago? Did I say a word about yankees? Not one. You only inferred that.
My guess is that I have been here longer than you have, and you have the nerve to call everyone on here outsiders. You need to know what you are talking about before you make your nasty little statements and opinions.
6:15 My, you are prejudiced! I never mentioned yankees. I asked about the 200 year time frame. Your history is as lousy as most of your statements.
i have lived here all of my life...wow...big whoopee....and i still think vanzant has done an extremely poor job.
Its not a matter of being smarter than some of the folks currently in office...but it is a matter of actually being honest.
11:23
YOU are the one who brought up the Civil War and asked if I were still fighting it. Remember?
3:27 You brought up the word "yankee". I moved here decades ago from Mississippi but since I am not native born to Giles co are you labeling all "outsiders" yankees?
Nope. And you know better.
Besides, I never called you personally a yank.
Some folks who have been called new comers on the blog were born here and have lived in this county 65 to 70 years. Just how long do you have to live here to be one of the home folks. Evidently being born here doesn't count for anything.
I agree with 2:15pm 100%.
I too was born and raised here!
Poor work by Vanzant and NOT honest!
Fact Finder
to the disgruntled:
LOOK, just because you were born and raised here doesn't give you the right to trash people of your choosing. Think about it. If you have lived here so long, then tell me when all this hate-mongering started. Oh, and don't try to say those who are guilty of it now have ALWAYS been here. That would not be true.
And regardless of where some of you lived BEFORE moving here, you do not have the right to trash people at will and to talk down to those like me who would take you to task for it. Just because you think you know it all and that we are just a bunch of bumpkins doesn't give you license to misbehave and expect to go unchallenged.
I just hope Mrs. Vanzant isn't discouraged by the disgruntled few who are on a mission.
8:03 No. I dont know better. I can only take what you write as face value. It is your responsibility to post clearly, not mine or anyone else's responsibility to try to decypher what you really mean. Maybe if you wrote less and took time to think through what you blast off with your postings would make more sense.
7:53
I think I've been most clear about what was said. There's no need to try to read between the lines or decipher. Naybe if the disgruntled would cease their mean-spirited attacks, I would just go away. But, the sad thing about that is the fact that the blog would persih.
To 5:57 & 9:16. There has been no one who has trashed more or more viciously with less information than you. I would refer to you as a mean spirited, small minded moron but then the term moron is also used to identify those who can not help being mentally challenged.
With more than 300,000 hits on this blog I doubt it will perish should you do everyone a favor and go away. Of course personally I would prefer you continue to post using factual information but then that's just me. Allen Barrett
wab
You are wrong once again. I don't trash anyone. But what I will do is challenge those who have no qualms about trashing others. Haven't you been guilty of that? I believe so.
A small-minded moron? In my opinion, were you not so dangerous, I'd say you would make a great comedian.
"A small minded moron?"
Oh yes we know what you mean, we can read minds.
Practice what you preach.
You tell us to get a job. Are you reading and writing on the blog on your job or you retired?
Hey anonymous 10:46....
Maybe the great defender needs his own nickname so at least everybody else will have some way to refer to him. Since he obviously doesn't plan to provide one himself.
I would like to move that he from now on be referred to by those on the blog who choose to do so as "KoKo the Monkey."
I believe this link will show why the name fits perfectly:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC4C_Gcp_dM
Thanks for your consideration,
Tbone
4/27@10:46- I just caught you in a bald face lie, it's not the first, but this is the most blatant and I for one cannot wait to read how you spin it to justify what you do on here as opposed to those who aren't cowards and sign their name with their beliefs. You said in a previous comment that: "What I SAID is that most who post all this trash about others on this blog ARE OUTSIDERS who came here thinking they are just smarter and should be in charge. I stand by that statement."
I am an outsider, I don't post trash. Then a few comments later you claim not to trash anyone. That is exactly what you do to anyone who criticizes a public official you support. Do you not understand that YOUR support of any candidate is hurting their chances of being re-elected. You won't support them publicly, you won't name a single reason why they deserve one vote from us trashy outsiders, and your rabid endorsement comes at the expense of a basic tenet of our constitution which is freedom of speech. Responsible citizens SHOULD criticize the gov't. They work for us. Your stand, albeit useless since you are ashamed of your support and won't identify yourself, is apparently that nobody should say anything negative about elected officials, but for you private citizens are fair game. You've got it all backwards; hey I just had a thought, maybe because of your cheer leading for officials but unable to tell why they have your support, these candidates may have requested you not go public. They understand the precious freedom that you are so opposed to.
Now I respectfully ask again as I am an outsider, please give me one, just one reason that JV has earned my vote. If you are serious in your support, that is. I read the negative and I truly want to be an open minded voter. Truthfully I generally vote for the incumbent but since her biggest supporter doesn't know of a reason to vote for her and is so embarrassed of that support that they won't PUBLICLY support her, I gotta say, I am leaning toward voting a new county exec in. Just one positive accomplishment could earn my vote for your hero. Are you truly wanting to help her get re-elected? Here's your chance.
William James
Would someone please explain to william james that I do NOT trash anyone on this blog. However, I will take them to task each and every single time they get on this blog and attack and attempt to belittle others. As smart as he seems to think he is, I am dumbfounded that he cannot grasp the concept. Instead, he stumbles over the simple and calls me names. Perhaps a hefty slice of humble pie would help?
Now, as to what I said about outsiders., I stand by every single word I said. Most of the trouble that's going on in our formerly tranquil town was started and is being perpetuated by outsiders who came here thinking they knew it all and that they should be in power. I stand by that comment. Notice that I DID NOT SAY they were all people from other parts of the globe.
Also, would someone please tell james that Mrs. Vanzant has apparently not earned his vote, and that he should vote for whomever he pleases. She has mine, and I'll be working hard for her a little later on. Perhaps he needs to check with barrett to find reasons not to vote for Mrs. Vanzant. I'm sure he would be glad to give you the many reasons why she should be run out of town on a rail.
I'm already finding that many good and honest people do not know how she is being trashed on this blog. The typical response I am getting is that they will vote for her. How ya like those apples!!!!
Mr. James,
You asked a question I've been wanting to hear. Why we should vote for Vanzant?
We've read reasons on this blog why not to vote for her.
I noticed you didn't get an answer from the he/she.
I had to read your post again because he/she said you called her a name. I never found where you called her a name.
I didn't understand her remark about outsider, but not from all parts of the globe. Oh I'm suppose to be a mind reader and know what she means.
6:10 Obviousy Mr. James can read so he finds out about Vanzant by this blog THEN the newspaper which does not differ in its reports from what Mr. Barrett reports here. Proof to us all that what Mr. Barrett posts about meetings, and Mrs Vanzant's actions/policies etc is correct.
Ole KoKo the Monkey is just precious the way he flops around waving his arms, don't ya think?
Would someone explain to 6:10 that they made Mr. James's point for him.....the answer form 610 was....
BLAH..BLAH...BLAH...BLAH...BLAH.....I will take them to task...BLAH...>BLAH.....BLAH.... I stand by that comment. Notice that I DID NOT SAY....BLAH...BLAH....BLAH.... How ya like those apples!!!!
You apples are rotten....or like a "road apple"......maybe she can get you a job sweeping up behind the horses and fertilizing the yard....
Yes that seems a little harsh right? But can you possible EVER answer WHY you will vote for her.....without saying it's just because she's attacked? WHY on what grounds do you think I should vote for her as per job performance? PLEASE tell me.
-apples
Oh, rest assured that a LOT of people are going to vote for her simply because of the way the disgruntled few have mistreated her on this blog and occasionally in the paper. I would do the same thing if I had no other reasons. I will make it a point to help her all I can in that regard. People do not like attack dogs and the smear campaigns these few have launched against Mrs. Vanzant.
But my real reasons for supporting Mrs. Vanzant are none of your business. It's my right to vote for whomever I please without having to explain myself to them.
How can you help her if you can't tell why she should be elected again?
You leave the thouht to everybody that she's wife or sister or you work for her and still don't know a good reason to vote for her.
Surely you know something good to say about her.
I voted for Sarah Palin because I thought Obama wasn't for the US but the Muslin and didn't care for John McCain even if voting for Palin was a vote for him.
5:59
As I said, my reasons for supporting Mrs. Vanzant are none of your business. Why don't you tell me why you support jher opponent without trashing her? Could you do that?
KoKo KoKo KoKo
koko koko koko...lol
April 29, 2010 6:45:00 PM
I never said I wasn't going to vote for her. I'm just trying to find a good reason to vote for her.
I do know her but don't know Scott, but that's no reason not to vote for him. I'm waiting to see what h ehas to say.
Maybe I should of said, I know Vanzant when I see her. If I ever saw Scott Stewart, I didn't know it was him.
You keep saying you will do everything you can to get her elected, when are you going to start? Are you going to put out signs for her, which don't help.
Tell us something about her.
9:45
Look, go vote for whomever you please. My reasonings for supporting Mrs. Vanzant are NONE of your business! I think you are allowing barrett and his cohorts poison your mind about her anyway. It's sad.
You bet I'll put out signs for Mrs. Vanzant. When am I going to start? Again, none of your business. But I have already started by talking to ordinary good and decent people who never read this trashy blog. Oh yeah, I'm busy as a bee, and I am getting her all the votes I can.
As for Mr. Stewart, I have nothing unkind to say about him. In fact, the disgruntled here on this blog know that I don't go around trying to trash an opponent of someone I intend to support. I have a little more dignity and class than that.
So again, vote for whomever you please. I will.
William James here, and having a rush of mixed feelings. Thanks to those of you who read my post and comprehended and to 6:10, since you will not help your candidate of choice by giving me a single reason to vote for her, would you care to enlighten me on the name I called you?
You may say you do not trash anyone and are simply taking to task those with whom you disagree. That is a glaring example of justification. There is absolutely no difference in what you do and what others do when expressing their viewpoints; oh wait, there is one difference; you are treading on the constitution and slamming private citizens for their opinions. You claim they have no right to criticize as they do; the Constitution of the United States states the opposite. However freedom of speech does not offer the opportunity for one to publicly and in print, slam private citizens for their political beliefs. That's the difference; you are attempting to violate constitutional rights because apparently you appointed yourself the "blog police."
My goodness, how can you claim you support JV when you cannot name a single reason for that support other than "it's none of my business"? I clearly stated that I generally lean toward the incumbent, but I do not know enough about JV to make that decision, yet. I am asking for your help, and if you lower yourself to help this "trashy trouble-making outsider", it's quite probable that I would become an ally of yours and the county exec; do you want people to vote for her or not? If you support her, then do it, give me something to go on, PLEASE. I know little about any of the candidates and am trying to learn from many sources. Again I ask, do you want to help her get re-elected or not? I am afraid it is beginning to look more and more like you are attempting some sort of reverse psychology game, because your attitude APPEARS to this common voter that your arrogance and self righteousness is designed to hurt your STATED choice for count executive. I will tell you that if you, the most vocal of her supports, can't give me one positive accomplishment during JV's tenure, you are not helping her, your are hurting her and will cause me, who would ordinarily be a committed vote for her, to become a committed vote for her opponent. I personally won't ask you again, I will assume that you actually are working for her opponents. I can't think of another explanation for your postings.
William James
Would someone please explain to william james that I do not trash anyone, but that I will take to task those disgruntled who are guilty of doing so. It's really a very simple idea.
While you are at it, please enlighten him as to some of the people I am supporting, and that I don't owe him an explanation as to why:
Mrs. Janet Vanzant
Mr. Roger Reedy
Mrs. Vickie Coleman
Mr. Tommy Campbell
Mr. Terry Harwell
Mr. Stonewall Jackson
Mr. Edwin Lovell
Mr. Jack Woodard
Does this sound like I am working for their opponents? Not on your life.
10:33 Well, since Stoney Jackson and Edwin Lovell are unhappy with Campbell and Vanzant right now over what happened in the last financial management meeting you are not rooting for a very unified group of candidates. Maybe you should first work for them by getting them to reconcile before working on their campaign support.Notice that in addition to Mrs Vanzant you are covering districts 2, 4 & 7. Busy lady indeed.
3:32
Look, I will work for and support whomever I please, and I would challenge you to do the same. Whether those you mention may not be seeing eye-to-eye "right now" doesn't make them bad choices. But you just felt like you needed to take a shot, didn't you.
Why don't you stop listening to and supporting the hatred and become your own person?
To the rabid supporter of JV; the one who firmly believes they have a right to criticize opinions of others, but others do not have the same option. You are justifying what you do and there is no difference in the cutting, biting remarks you make and the remarks by your opponents. Other than the fact that you seem to justify your actions and those with opposing views are honest in their opinions. I am not sure why you feel entitled to tell citizens that they have no freedom of speech, that you are the only one allowed to express a negative opinion, but that is what you are doing and everyone who reads this blog sees that but you. That strikes me as arrogant, self-righteous, and prideful.
Also, speaking as one on your list of candidates that you support, please do not publicly support me. You are NOT helping my cause by refusing to tell people who want to know the good that I feel I have accomplished. I want supporters who are not ashamed of supporting my candidacy, who are not smug and condescending to others, and who embrace freedom of speech with a passion. You do not qualify, with your veiled threats and innuendos, your over-the-top verbal abuse of those with opposing views, and your refusal to acknowledge that there is no difference is your vile "spewing" of negativity and your accusations that others are guilty of that, while you are exempt from the same behavior because you have appointed yourself the chairman of allowable postings on this forum. I and to my knowledge none of the other candidates have requested your "protection" here and should we choose, we will speak for ourselves, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Now should you choose to recognize your own unacceptable bad behavior, and cease your increasingly unintelligible ramblings, speaking for myself only, I would welcome your support and be very grateful for it. However, unless pigs begin flying, I do not believe you will become self aware of your behavior. I wish you would speak only to the issues, with no comments directed at ANY poster, regardless of their political leanings. Listen and learn, please!
Sinceely,
A current and future, (hopefully)
public servant.
Wow!! I'm been thinking all time that person is hurting Vanzant instead of helping and maybe that was her/his aim.
9:39
I just wish I knew which one you were so I could scratch you off my list. Care to tell me?
9:39 Thank you Public Servant, whomever you are.
You are welcome 9:39 and 12:30 you dare have the nerve to ask someone to answer a question on this blog, you who were asked many many times to answer a question that could HELP your candidate of choice. Maybe I will tell you who I am if you tell me why my letter would cause you to change your mind about my job performance....did you become self aware suddenly? I didn't see any pigs flying by. Did I hit a nerve by speaking the truth? Well, "I stand by every word I said." I do hope you don't mind if I borrowed your famous line, since your postings on the blog are only here to support me. "We both know" that your attitude was far worse than anyone else who posted on here and I do hope that you have not irrevocably damaged other campaigns besides mine. "You know very well what I mean" when I say that you hurt rather than help the office seakers. SO instead of pouting because someone figured you out, learn from your mistakes and move forward.
5:58
I was certain that those I support were not a part of the VVM. Apparently, I was mistaken.
No, you are dead wrong about my hurting those candidates I support. Why? Because those who post on this so-called "free speech" blog (what a laugh) are those of your persuasion. And believe me, you would lose my vote or support (or both) if I knew who you were.
You falsely accuse me of having an attitude far worse than those who get on here and call Mrs. Vanzant and others anything in the book. Not so! I will say it again; I simply do not allow them to get away with that sort of behavior without at least pointing it out to them. You can like that or not. I really don't care.
I'm pretty sure you are not Mr. Jackson, Mr.Campbell, or Mr. Reedy. Could you give me a hint? I really would like to be in a position to help you OUT if you know what I mean.
5:58 How do I know that you aren't just trying to turn me against the ones I mentioned? You may well be accusing me of the very thing you are trying to accomplish. What a joke.
What difference does it make how long one has lived in the county?As a county taxpayer do they not have a right to be concerned with local government?
559 - what is WM - Is the symbol a M followed by an upside down M, or an upsidedown W followed by a W- Either way up is down & down is up - it's a lot like not knowing if you're comming or going or for that matter if you came or went. Bottom like it's a whole lot of "no real matter" - the symbol of nothingness - you
10:23
Are you drunk or stoned?
Looks like more and more people reading here have figured out JV and will vote for Stewart this time.
Good ridence.
10:27
I beg to differ with you. The ones who are posting the trash on this blog are a very distinct minority. I know you would like to think that the county hates Mrs. Vanzant, but she will prevail in the end. I hate to keep reminding you, but people do not like attacks and smear campaigns.
Mrs. Vanzant shows a lot of clas and restraint by not responding to your attacks.
WAB should win if what you say is true, you've sure attacked him.
I wouldn't bet tomorrow's lunch money on it.
12:04
No, I have only challenged his misbehavior and temper tantrums. And, due largely to those factors, I believe he is going to lose for a second time.
I would encourage those in 7th district to vote for Vickie Coleman, Tommy Campbell, and Terry Harwell.
Three mousekeeters straight from the pen of vanzant. The 7th didn't have any representation for the ;last four years and you don't want us to have any for the next 4, ain't no wonder people call you names
Three cheers for Stewart. If JV thinks she can do it then we know STEWART can. Please cast your vote for the person for the job.SCOTT STEWART. He will bring Giles County forward again and we haven't had that for EIGHT years.
8:29
Wrong! The people of seventh district have been adequately represented on the commission, and I believe they will be again with the addition of Ms. Coleman. She is a smart Christian lady who will seek God's help in making decisions that are best for the county. This is something I KNOW to be true.
Now, as for Mrs. Vanzant, she has the vote of my entire family, my friends, my neighbors, and anyone else I can find for her. Someone on another thread, perhaps you, made a remark that Ms. Coleman would not be a suitable choice for commissioner because of inexperience. Well, why couldn't you make the same call when it comes to Mr. Stewart? He has ZERO experience in running the affairs of our county. But I will not resort to the tactics of the disgruntled and call him names or try to smear him like they do Mrs. Vanzant.
No, the reason the disgruntled call me names is because I point things out to them that they don't like.
My vote will be cast for MRS. JANET VANZANT. Yeah!
7:13 See you posted at 7:13 then immediately afterwards at 7:16. Busy lady. But then you are Wonder Woman.
As for Ms Coleman, God doesn't enter into it. Remember the seperation of church and state>
9:39
Oh, but I beg to differ with you. Would you not prefer a Godly person serving as commissioner rather than someone less? Surely, you can't argue against that.
Go Ms. Coleman. I will help you in any way I can. I knew it would be only a matter of time until you were attacked.
9:39
You are soooo ridiculous.
There is a huge difference in the experience needed for commissioner and County Executive. My understanding of Mrs Coleman's experience is that she has not been in attendance of any commission or committee meetings therefore her knowledge is very limited by her lack of involvement. While that certainly doesn't disqualify a person it does inhibit their effectiveness. At this time I know nothing about Mrs Coleman's positions and wonder if anyone else does, since she has not been actively involved. I don't even know if she can read a budget much less understanding what it takes to make one and keep it in balance.
The position of commissioner is one of great responsibility to many people, it takes much time and energy to meet the requirements. One problem with Commissioner T. Harwell is he has not had the time or taken the time to be as involved s has been needed. He has relied on others to tell him about what's happening which has resulted in his voting against the people and for the powers that be more often than not.
You can not consistently fail to attend committee meetings without having your knowledge greatly weakened.
Mr Stewart has the experience of running a newspaper that means meeting deadlines, payrolls and dealing with a large number of individuals. In addition to that he has been very actively involved covering county business for a number of years. He has proven himself to be trustworthy, dependable and a leader. He is the kind of person Giles County must have as the County Executive if we are to survive and grow an acceptable lifestyle we deserve.
Allen Barrett
wab
Your clever attack on Ms. Coleman is shameful. How dare you to insinuate that she probably cannot read a budget report. She has an advanced college degree? Do you have a degree? By the way, just how many new commissioners, as she soon will be, have lots of knowledge about commission functions? How tacky of you.
Next, you suggest that Terry Harwell is out of touch and that he must rely on what others tell him. That also was a cheap shot.
I don't see how your comments can win you any votes. Interestingly, you failed to mention something negative about Mr. Campbell. I'm sure that was just an oversight since he, Mr. Harwell, and Ms. Coleman, are your opponents in District 7.
I won't say anything to trash Mrs. Vanzant's opponent, because I don't stoop to that level. But running the newpaper, as Mr. Lake actually does, is NOT the same as being a county executive. And now is not the time for on-the-job training for that position.
In your mind it's not the time for on the job training but you don't have any problem with proven incompetence my but you are smart hee, hee.
I have the same questions about Mrs Coleman I don't know anything about herand like most we are waiting to hear from her what her positions are ain't that the way the process is supposed to work. I don't see where anyone questioned her ability to read a budget as you claim only that they don't know if she can because they don't know her. She may be the smartest person who ever lived but until I know more about her I'm like Mr Barrett and I don't know if she can even read her ABC's.
9:15
You will definitely be hearing from Ms. Coleman. But what you WILL NOT be hearing from her is a bunch of smearing and trashing. That's going to work well for her. By the way, the ONLY one I have seen smearing his District 7 opponents is barrett. And your crude remark about Ms. Coleman perhaps not being able to read ABCs will get her a bunch of votes.
Question. How many candidates in other districts will you be requiring to disclose their "positions"?
Sunday, May 09, 2010 9:04:00 PMI hadn't heard anything said about Mrs. Coleman until you same as dared Barrett to trash her.
You said he better not trash her. I wondered then if he did what you would do.
Sure seemed like a dare to me.
9:42
Please direct me to the specific thing I said that would dare barrett to start trashing Ms. Coleman?
Don't know about others but I expect to hear where every person stands on the issues if they want my vote.
This was on another thread.
Anonymous said...
I find it quite interesting that barrett hasn't attacked Vicki Coleman...yet. I would suggest that he think twice about calling her a name or accusing her of something wrong.
Mrs. Coleman is an educated Christian lady who is a professional person. And because of those qualities, I am trying to help her all that I can. You see, her reputation is one of which I truly admire.
Friday, April 30, 2010 7:30:00 PM
I'd like to ask a perfectly innocent question so no one please read anything into it - Ms Coleman is described as a professional person. What exactly is her line of work, anyone know? Thanks
To 9 May 9:04 PM
Bet you don't have TV with all the hallucinations you're having.
You state, "Your clever attack on Ms. Coleman is shameful. How dare you to insinuate that she probably cannot read a budget report. She has an advanced college degree?"
What I said was, "At this time I know nothing about Mrs Coleman's positions and wonder if anyone else does, since she has not been actively involved. I don't even know if she can read a budget much less understanding what it takes to make one and keep it in balance."
There was no attack there and no insinuation that she could not read a budget only that I know so little about her. If she has an advanced degree I congratulate her but that still doesn't make her able to read a budget or understand how to make one. I have a brother who has several advanced degrees, he wrote several manuals on nuclear waste disposal but his wife has to balance his checkbook and do their taxes. Al Gore has an advanced degree Thomas Edison had none. Having a degree or even an advanced degree isn't a guarantee
of accomplishment other than you went to school. This cast no aspersions on Mrs Coleman it's just the reality of not knowing anything about her.
You try to make something bad out of nothing yet you continually are trying to make right out of wrong.
You claim Mrs Coleman is this and that but you give no reason for believing anything you say. I haven't questioned Mrs Coleman's abilities or accomplishments I have no idea what they are.
I do believe her lack of involvement makes her a much weaker candidate, just as I believe the voting records of Terry and Tommy are real weak points. That's nothing personal just the facts.
Allen Barrett
wab
There you go again suggesting cleverly that Ms. Coleman may not be able to read a budget report. Can you not see where that is inflammatory? Yes, you questioned her abilities.
I don't believe her lack of involvement as you assert makes her any less a good candidate than any other newcomer to the race. Why don't you question their abilities? Answer. They are not running in your district.
Here are some facts for you. Tommy, Terry, and Ms. Coleman will be our district 7 commissioners. When you lose again, who will you blame it on? If you think you are one of the candidates for the job, why don't you expand upon your better qualities and stop trying to trash your opponents? I know for a fact that you have already angered some voters in your district by the statements you made about Ms. Coleman.
wab,
Do you plan to challenge Ms. Coleman to a debate on issues? What a laugh.
Do you think she would be at such a disadvantage that it's laughable. From what I've hear of WAB there is no one who intimidates him and I would love to see an old fashioned debate in each district between candidates, heck I'd even pay for that opportunity. Even better a real debate between Vanzant and Stewart.
Yes we need debates.
I would be more than happy to debate any candidate, any time, any place.
I have no doubt that because of my consistent involvement I am as well prepared as any candidate and better prepared than most to discuss the issues and provide solutions. Allen Barrett
wab
What an incredible ego! You are truly a one-of-a-kind. I've seen it before in others but never to this degree. So you are better prepared than most? Unbelievable arrogance.
6:28 Are you so dumb as to think a person from high school on up would be eager to enter a debate if they didn't feel they were better prepared than their opponent. Why do you think people even run for office other than they think they can do a better job than their opponent. You even vote for people, well maybe not an idiot like you, but most people vote for one person instead of a nother because they think they can do a better job.
Why would anyone other than you consider voting for or putting their confidence in a person if that person didn't have any confidence in themselves.
You are incredibly stupid if you don't realize even you believe you have a greater understanding of things than others do or you wouldn't write as you do. Problem is you work only on ego while Barrett and many others work on facts.
6:28 Do you think Mrs Coleman should be treated like every other candidate are should she be exempted from examination? Why do you think she can't defend her own self? If she or any one else has asked for our vote shouldn't we know everything there is to know about their positions and background? I don't want someone who just got out of jail, is in a bankruptcy, is a child molester or a deadbeat dad as my commissioner and I'm not saying Mrs Coleman is any of those, but I want to know who these people are that want to represent me. I know more about Mr Barrett than anyone in my district and I've never even met him. Whether I agree with him or not isn't the question it's the fact that I know about him that is important.
1:30
Then why is it that candidates in other districts aren't being questioned the same way as in district 7? Answer. These people are barrett's opponents.
If you know all that much about barrett, then I think it would prompt you to vote for the other three who, by the way, have not said ONE WORD in an attempt to trash him.
3:35 haven't you realized that it's early in the election and you have no idea what's gonna happen between now and the actual election. Many have asked you and still no answer how do you know they haven't tried to trash Mr. Barrett on here or in town?
I believe I read a long list of people on another thread that listed all the candidates and why they should or should not be voted for.
The problem with you is you're not just stupid but you can't keep your mouth shut long enough to find out what is actually going on.
I love it! You disagree with the minority here and you are stupid, a fool, dumb or an idiot [and that is just from today's postings].
Very intelligent discourse. Very.
6:18
No, you are wrong. In my opinion, barrett is trashing himself by his outrageous behavior! What seems just as outrageous is that people like you continue to defend him. You know what? I don't think anyone has tried to trash barrett on this blog. All I have seen is where people have told him how obnoxious and arrogant he is, and you mistake that for trashing him. Well get this. He IS obnoxious and arrogant. To use his line of reasoning, it's not trashing when one tells the truth. Would you agree? And whether or not some candidate has said anything about him that you don't like doesn't negate the fact that he has tried to trash not only Mrs. Vanzant but his own opponents in his district. I call that insecurity, don't you?
No I dont.
Mr. Barrett has only ever posted facts. Tough you cant accept what your precious ones behavior. Thems the facts Baby. Mr. Barrett also has many more supports than the couple that get on this blog trying to down him. Accept that fact.
10:32
I would say that most of barrett's supporters are on this blog. And that might be as many as five or six of you who have drank his kool-aid.
Think it's only one person against Barrett, just trying to make like it's more.
Talk around the county say, "Vote for Stewart."
4:37
No, you are quite wrong about that. There are plenty of us who oppose barrett, and on election day.
Vote Terry Harwell, Tommy Campbell, and Vickie Coleman. And whatever you do, vote for MRS VANZANT. Now is not the time for on-the-job training. More importantly, I think Mrs. Vanzant's opponent is being backed by the disgruntled. That alone should scare you away from voting for him.
Did Janet Vanzant get on the job training?
Probably...but the point is, we don't need an inexperienced person assuming the reigns of county government, particularly with the disgruntled on hand.
And even if Mrs. Vanzant's opponent should pull off a miracle and get elected, he will have the same trouble with the disgruntled as soon as he did something they didn't like. And I think he knows that and is playing the game with them.
5=41 You prattle on about 'inexperienced persons' then you misuse the word reigns instead of reins . Should we take that as a sign of YOUR 'inexperience' with your mother tongue ?
You're definitely the kind of supporter Ms Vanzant has in quantity.
Keep on drilling those holes in her boat
Thesaurus Rex
Yep, it should have been reins. But I'm not as smart as you guys think you are. I'm sure you have an advanced degree in...let's see...spewing?
You are right again about my being a supporter of Mrs. Vanzant. But that doesn't make me stupid or you wise because you support the opponent.
Whine on, Rex.
How much on the job training is required?
8 years
10:11
Don't you have anything better to do than to spew venom? I'm just thankful that most people do not read this trash.
Mrs. Vanzant has tolerated people like you and barrett for most of those 8 years, so I would say she is well qualified to be county executive...regardless of your spewing hatred.
Now is not the time for on-the-job training, so Mrs. Vanzant is my choice for county executive. Can't you vote for the opponent without trashing Mrs. Vanzant?
6:21, You may have just caused me to "pop a cork" and you may just want to hold on because "I have only just begun to spew." Working in reverse order of ridiculous non-nonsensical, outrageous posts, let me just say that if JV wants to be re-elected, she needs to find out who you are and duct tape your mouth. How dare you say she has tolerated people like the previous poster before you?! That is HER job, what she gets paid for, what voters trusted her to do. She didn't win a pageant to ride around and officiate ribbon cuttings or digging the first shovel of dirt or throw out the first baseball of the little league season. She spent what was probably a great deal of money for the PRIVILEGE of tolerating people like that poster. You have consistently on every thread spewed venom and misinformation regarding MR Barrett, (whom I have never met) and called it, "taking to task"; you accuse him of outrageous behavior, question his motivations, call him a liar, trouble-maker, ridicule his professional ability, make fun of people who are like-minded, accuse him of posting anonymous, which is so totally ironic, considering that's the ONLY way you post, and you justify all of this as if it were your right and DUTY to protect the helpless JV. I and countless others have tried, to no avail to give YOUR HERO, JV the benefit of the doubt and beg you to do what you say you want to do and that is support her by telling us one thing she has done during her term of office. But obviously, you are either lying about supporting her or lying about knowing of one thing she has done that has helped the county. There are no other choices so to sum it up, A. you are not telling the truth, or B. you are a liar. Mr. Barrett is apparently the owner of this blog and he posts current event news items. I do not know how old this blog is, but apparently he has been doing this for a while and is very active in the community. I have never seen a topic that consisted of a single opinion that was not backed up by several sources from which the info was gleaned. I have checked and Mr Barrett does not have an unlisted phone # which proves even further that you could care less about issues, but only attacking MR Barrett with your smug sarcastic "spewings". How about putting your name out there so we can all call you if we don't get the point you're trying to make? WAB did not in any of the topics, post opinions in the titles, but instantly you accuse him of stirring up trouble, every time. Here is is a major tip that you may want to remember from time to time: "Just because you do not like the facts, doesn't change the fact." Just in case you actually decide to read something beside WAB's name in one of his posts, you may just find out that he has never, not once posted a negative statement without backing it up citing multiple references. I challenge you to find a single case of that. I'll "be waiting" just like your alter-ego that is waiting for someone to post one of the lies that JV has told, but when is told several over and over, quickly justifies or denies it and smugly proclaims, "still waiting". (end of part one)
William James
Part 2 to 6:21 a.m.
What has become crystal clear through all of this is that you are ignorant of issues, (no, I didn't say stupid), you don't care about issues, you post on here only to stir up trouble with your arrogant self-righteous, judgmental statements, and you are totally and completely obsessed with Allen Barrett. I knew small towns were unique in the lifestyle as opposed to larger communities and this is what I chose for this time in my life, but never have I lived in a small town that had citizens who truly believed that their town was exempt from local, state and federal rules and that a few citizens could decide laws for all and if one dared speak out against those in charge, that citizen must be hounded and berated at all costs. I do not understand why if this MR Barrett writes such trash, as to offend you so totally and completely, why you don't just stop reading this forum? That, sir or ma'am, is the very definition of insanity.
I very much am enjoying my time around this area, and the vast majority of people I have met are true "salt of the earth" types. But it's people with the mindset such as you PRESENT, that make people who are not from the south think of us southerners as toothless backwoods, cousin-marrying, imbeciles. Thanks for perpetuating such a negative stereotype.
I will stop for now, take some blood pressure medication and finish at a later time. To those who read this even though it is lengthy, I thank you and apologize for the size of my post. To those who I have met since moving here, the welcome has been heartwarming.
William James
Day 11.....still waiting.
To those who think like william. I am not obsessed with allen barrett.No, I am totally aware of his attack dog tactics and am absolutely astounded by his behavior. Therefore, I find it impossible to sit idly by and allow him to get away with it. The same goes for his devoted followers. If that makes me a troublemaker, then so be it!
But it's naive to not recognize the real troublemaker. I just pooint him out.
As for the one who keeps saying "still waiting", that's not me. However, the writer has a valid point. He or she is simply asking a question.
You know, it's unfortunate that some people are so burned up with hatred (Hook, Line, and Sinker Syndrome) in this, what once a warm and accepting community. It's sad that battle lines have been drawn and that those who once were friends are now alienated.
The size of william's post doesn't merit an apology. But the names he just called me does!
Mrs. Task, I'm sure you will get an apology when hell freezes over.
Mr. James thanks for the long post. I agree with everything you said. If that makes me a HlSS so be it.
Funny Mr or Mrs Task doesn't know she is HLSS to Vanzant.
9:25
Mrs. Task? Who is that? You are so incredibly funny.
William here, Task is a very good nickname for someone who is too ashamed to give their real one. I fail to see what the difference is between you taking WAB to task and WAB taking JV to task; care to justify? Oh wait, save your time, I just realized the difference; WAB gives reasons and backs them up with multiple sources; you don't do that and if we want to believe you but need to clarify something, well you've made it impossible. As I understand it WAB owns this blog; he is being far more patient that I would be with you. Back your stance up with a few facts, if you can; if you can't, well it's obvious your knowledge on issues is nil. Your protests of YOUR not spewing and others are is becoming a joke, unless of course you can provide proof that you are the one in charge of blog protocal. Not many folks consider being "taken to task" seriously by an anonymous poster, anyway. Your declarations of "not letting them get away with it", sound vaguely threatening, if they didn't sound so silly. (almost as silly as your made up accronyms, which most intelligent people ignore)
William James
Oh, I almost forgot task: What names did I call you?
William James
I think william should vote for whomever he pleases and stop with the attacks and with the spewing. It's very unbecoming of a man of his intelligence.
May 15, 2010 1:45:00 PM
Have you ever thought about doing the same thing you ask others to do?
Let me make sure I understand this. Barrett and his legion of 2 accuse someone of something but offer no specifics. Someone (actually several someones) call their hand on it and ask for specifics and then Barrett et al. change the subject.
And the spewing would be what exactly?
Who changes the subject?
Honey you spew and change the subject also.
Just when did Barrett offer no specifics?
Me think you been reading your own post.
Nope. I was reading his and yours. I stay on topic. When have I ever spewed.
By the way, Day 12? Anyone?
What does Day 12 mean?
It means that it is day 12 that he has ignored the answer to a question he asked. It was answered but he didn't like the answer so pretends like it wasn't.
Thur 5/13 5:37, Finally, you are naming names, no wait! Used a lot of other people's names just not your own. Still afraid to step up to the plate publicly?
To May 13 5:45: Do you really think that if JV's opponent was elected and did something to upset those who voted for him that they would stoop so low as to complain, demand an explanation, hold him accountable? Surely they wouldn't! It's almost like they think they live in a democracy or something. What nerve?
HELLO, isn't that what we are ALL supposed to do? Hold elected officials accountable, expect them to "walk the walk" that they campaigned on?? Did anybody take American Government classes in high school?
To all candidates who are not speaking out against these anonymous defenders of your honor: I will only speak for myself and of course I know I will forever be an outsider but my code of ethics will not allow me to vote for anyone who does not speak for themselves and publicly request that these anonymous defenders either go public with their identity or go away with their posts. If you want my vote then you let me know that you can speak for yourself; I am from this day until election day operating under the assumption that the anonymous posts defending any candidate have been authorized by the candidate until THE candidate tells me otherwise. So far, two candidates have come forward, Scott Stewart and Allen Barrett. Gentlemen, you have shown that you have the courage of your convictions, I will now study the platforms for which you stand. Thank you for speaking up.
William James
I'm beginning to think that william is one of the more angry people I've seen on this blog. His ranting and raving make me wonder if professional help should be in order? His paranoia about being an "outsider" and hypervigilance about anonymous posts (they're out to get us) are alarming.
Well, I don't think Mrs. Vanzant has anything to seriously worry about concerning her re-election. But I truly and honestly believe that, should her opponent be elected, the disgruntled, including william, would turn on him fast if he did something they didn't like. And that has NOTHING to do with the fact that people do have a right to question government in a democratic society. Nothing. This has always been about power with this little group, and they are determined to get it, one way or the other. Their continual bad-mouthing and trashing of people in elected office and at least some of those who seek public office are atrocious and shameful.
6:44 Pray tell who you think is seeking public office you consider atrocious and shameful? Bet you don't name anyone except for Mr. Barrett who is a constant thorn in your side so here again a figment of your imagination. And you can "truly and honestly" believe what you want about other people but again, your vivid imagionation and you will be proved wrong. So how about taking a page out of your own book and wait for the election and what follows. Then get on this blog and apologise.
7:19
I SAID this little group and not barrett. You are the one who brought up his name, not me. So, are you saying that he (barrett) is a part of a little group? You don't have to; I already knew it.
At this moment I fully support Mr. Stewart. If he is elected, and I believe he will be, I will be just as involved then as now and should he prove to be as unreliable and incompetent as Vanzant I will surely be just as critical. I do not foresee Mr Stewart having the same kinds of issues with telling the truth, listening to citizens, and rolling his eyes when others speak.
He has nothing to do with telling me what I can write or not write.
charles,
Then stop spewing and whining and vote for whomever you wish. That's what I am going to do. And for those in commissioner races for which I can't vote, I will be campaigning for them and against their opponents. But you can bet your bottom dollar I'll vote against you for the county exec. And I will not stoop to a low level and call Mrs. Vanzant's opponent a name or suggest something mean-spirited about him. I was raised better than that.
You said:
This has always been about power with this little group, and they are determined to get it, one way or the other.
So if it's about POWER, Janet don't want to give up her power/
You're not only a cowardly liar 3:35 if you were raised better you certainly forgot that raising.
wab
I believe the 10:06 post is yours.....among several others I have read recently. Your writing style of calling people mean and nasty names is so obvious.
Oh yeah, I was raised better. Were you?
to 8:11
I suppose you are right in the sense that Mrs. Vanzant doesn't want to give up her job. Do you know of any working person who would gladly give up his or her job just because a disgruntled few want someone else to have it? Think and try not to be so hateful.
If Mrs. Vanzant has any thoughts about power, I would guess that she doesn't want the disgruntled to gain power. I can't blame her one bit.
To 6:16. You are such a wonderful work of arrogant hypocrisy. There is not one post on this entire blog from the first to this moment that I have written without either my name or initials on it. Did it ever occur to you that there are only so many terms that can accurately describe your delusional behavior? You think because you are such a worthless coward that everyone else must be also? Perhaps you could visit your doctor and have him perform a little Orchiopexy, I know there is no hope of you growing any. If you could try growing up a little it would help.
The problem isn't that I am the only one who posts what you call nasty names the problem is in your very limited understanding. You simplemindedly see the same thing in every post that does not agree with you. Reality is many people in this county are fed up with the lies, incompetence, mistreatment and vengeful retaliation shown by Mrs. Vanzant and some of the other elected and appointed officials and the enabling of such behavior by people such as you. Now, go ahead and whine about the mean ole wab calling you “nasty names” but please try and at least tell the truth or back up your lies with some sort of support. You sound so silly continually whining the same mantra about your feelings.
As for how you was raised I could not care less it's the immature hypocritical way you now live your life that is of concern.
Allen Barrett
wab
You say you couldn't care less how I was raised? What an insult! I thought a "man of God" cared about all mankind? No? And you want to call me a hypocrite? What a joke. Even with my "very limited understanding", I can see that.
Here's a reality for you. Many, many people in this county are quite aware of what you and others have been trying to do to destroy Mrs. Vanzant and select others of your choosing, and the chickens are going to come home to roost on election day. Here's another reality. There are plenty just like me who will be helping to educate those who don't already know what's going on.
Lastly, in spite of all your misunderstandings, I do commend you on increasing your vocabulary. You are really giving that dictionary a work out.
Don't you think it's unbecoming of a man of God to be on here suggesting that someone needs to grow some testicles? Sir, you are UNBELIEVABLE!
WWJD?
To 3:54. Why would anyone care how you was raise what's important is how you act today. Many people were raised properly but decided on their own to be drug addicts, drunks, spouse abusers, child molesters, etc.
Your understanding is limited it's non existent. Being able to educate someone requires that you be educated yourself. With your ignorant view of the world you would be hard pressed to educate a slug. Thanks for the compliment but I really don't have very much time for reading the dictionary and besides I already know how it ends.
To 6:04. I never suggested that 3:54 grow anything but grow up. I plainly said, "Perhaps you could visit your doctor and have him perform a little Orchiopexy, I know there is no hope of you growing any." If you can't read the words get someone to read them for you and explain those containing more that two letters. Allen Barrett
wab
When you stated that there was no hope in growing any, please explain what you meant if you were not suggesting that someone grow some testicles? I think you got caught and now you are trying to use clever words to get out of it.
I'm wondering why you didn't address the question of your calling someone a hypocrite while you didn't miss an opportunity to call someone a name simply because they have a different view. You really ought to be ashamed of yourself.
So by your logic 5:16 if someone said the car is broken beyond repair that is actually an invitation to fix the car like new. Likewise, if someone suggested you go buy some tomatoes at Wal-Mart it would actually mean you should plant a garden and grow some tomatoes. How dumb.
What I stated in my 17 May, 3:13 post and repeated at 10:32 PM was self explanatory for anyone who reads with an open mind. For you I'll give a more defining clarification. I did not suggest that you are anyone else grow anything, what I said was there was no hope of you growing any. The question centered around your claim that you were a man thus the expectation would normally be that you already have testicles to suggest you grow more would be a scientifically improbable request somewhat akin to growing horns on both ends of a goat. I merely suggested that you visit your doctor and find the ones God gave you but you never developed.
I have never called anyone a name, other than what they were introduced by, simply because they disagreed with me. I have certainly called a person who lied to me, and refused to retract the lie when it was proven to be untrue, a liar. I have called you a hypocrite because of the way you talk about the sins of others while completely ignoring the very same actions in your own behavior. I have called you a coward because you continually post on this blog outrageous and totally unsupported charges and never take responsibility by posting your name with those absurdities. To me a person is as much if not more a coward for not taking responsibility for their words as one who would ignore the cry of someone in danger and not offer help. You sir, fit the bill and without some major changes in your life will continue to fit that description. Allen Barrett
wab...
HELLO! Yes, you DID suggest that someone grown some. Go back and read YOUR OWN WORDS. Please explain. Were you talking about tomatoes? You just said in the above spewing that he should find the ones God gave him. You just love to twist and stir, don't you? It would be funny if it were not so shameful of you.
You called someone a hypocrite. I believe you to be the biggest one I have ever seen in my life. You sir, broke the mold on hypocrisy.
And you sir/madam 1:48 broke the mold on stupidity.
2:15
I would appreciate it if you addressed me as sir. I broke the mold on stupiduty? Is that because I oppose what the disgruntled are trying to do? I believe that's it.
You broke the mold on stupidity because you so stupid. It don't matter who you agree with dude you just stupid.
6:58
Dude! You know nothing about me. In your arrogance, you think me stupid because my thinking doesn't align with yours. Sorry about that...dude.
6:58 Please use English on this blog.
May 16 at 6:44-I understand how you are so offended by the name-calling on this blog, IF you are the one being called names. Just look at what you called me and said about me; I defy you to find a single post from me or anyone in the "non-existent" group led by the "angry little man" that comes close to the venom and spewing that you employed in the above referenced post directed soley at me and not a word of your tirade against me was a "defense" but it was "offensive" by anyone's definition. However, I'm sure you were "merely" or "simply" (insert your own justification here). As for you not hurting JV in the election, you and you alone cost her my vote as well as several of my new neighbors. You attack private citizens for their opinion when they "attack" public officials for their public behavior. apples and oranges, almost like "an attack dog."
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